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Well-backed Star gets off the mark over flights

Star Counsel hits the front under Davy RussellStar Counsel hits the front under Davy Russell
© Photo Healy Racing

The well-backed Star Counsel got off the mark on her fifth start over flights as she took the M.D.O'Shea Maiden Hurdle.

Available at 8/1 this morning the Edmond Kent trained seven-year-old was well-supported throughout the day and she went off the 3/1 second favourite.

Settled towards rear by Davy Russell she improved into sixth as they entered the straight for the final time.

She was ridden in fourth after three out and went in pursuit of the leader at the last. She got to the front inside the final 50 yards, going on to score by three parts of a length. The Gatechecker (13/2), who proved friendless with punters, looked the most likely winner after two out but he had to settle for second under Mark Walsh for Michael Hourigan. Childrens List was sent off the 5/4 favourite but he finished a disappointing third under Ruby Walsh for Willie Mullins.

Edmond Kent said afterwards: "You can't bully her into a race and you have to take your time so I knew Davy would suit her - he's a great jockey.

"She has a bumper and hurdle won now so will be worth something to breed from but she'll be kept going now as long as the ground stays soft."

Additional reporting by Thomas Weekes

1st
3/1
Tote €5.60 €1.80
2nd
0.75L
13/2
€2.70
3rd
7.5L
5/4Fav
€1.02
4th
1.75L
9/2
About Donal Murphy
Donal graduated from Maynooth University in 2010 with a BBS in Equine Business and since attained a diploma in Sports Journalism from Dublin Business School. He holds a variety of roles in the horse racing industry, reporting for the Press Association and p2p.ie, while also working for SIS and the Tote. From Wexford, he is a keen runner and has completed over 100 parkruns at various locations around the country.